Aston Martin's Future

It was only two weeks ago that we were speculating on the future of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, as we approach another end to an era of regulations and the dominant driver is rumoured to be leaving the dominant team. I recall it being very early in the season when the rumours began and people, journalists, and broadcasters began speculation over the destination of the Dutchman beyond the end of this season. Max is, of course, contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, but there exists a performance clause in his contract which would allow him to break it early and seek employment elsewhere. Rumour has it, that elsewhere is none other than Aston Martin, who reportedly offered the 4-time champion a $300 million deal for a multi-year contract.

This was an odd one, because anyone who knows even a fraction of information about Aston Martin F1, knows that the boss' son is one of their drivers. So one might expect that Lance's seat is perfectly safe. It was the pre-race press conference in Saudi Arabia, where things began to get even weirder. Fernando Alonso was asked if he felt his seat was at risk, to which he responded "I don't think so, I have a contract for next year". During the same weekend he let slip that his contract with Aston Martin extends beyond his driving contract, presumably serving as an ambassador or a driving academy head for the Silverstone outfit.

Fernando signed a 2-year extension to his 2-year contract in April 2024, taking him into a new regulation change with the team and, it turns out, an opportunity to work with the legendary car designer Adrian Newey - something Alonso has always wanted to do. But, Fernando is 43, he surely hasn't got much left in him to give. When asked how long he sees himself continuing to race for, Alonso suggested that he will decide season by season: "Not at 50, but I don't know. That's why we kept open the possibility as well. I wanted to race this year for sure and next year for sure because of the change of regulations - and I wanted to experience the 2026 rules and Honda coming to the team" the double world champion said.

"Now I am very motivated, but I cannot guarantee that for three or four years and compromise the team. So we said let's do it until the end of 2026 and then from then on I think I have an incredible relationship with Lawrence and with Lance, we can sit and talk honestly between all of us and check what is best for the team" he went on to say. That's a very mature approach from Fernando, who has spent almost 40 years racing and has previously stated that he has sacrificed any shred of a normal life chasing his dream. The Spaniard has had a completely pointless season so far, failing to finish the first two races of the season and finishing out of the points since then. Stroll, on the other hand, started well but has since failed to make it out of Q1 4 times, setting a new record in the process. Is it really Fernando who is holding the Silverstone team back? Or is it just a combination of a poor start to the season and a focus on the new regulations?